Study international relations at one of the world's top-3 universities (QS 2025). Oxford's DPIR combines rigorous IR theory with the recent history of world politics and original research, in a collegiate environment that produces diplomats, policymakers and scholars.
21 months
Full-time duration
£37,100
Tuition (international)
October 2026
Next intake
IELTS 7.5
English requirement
Overview
✓ Study at a university ranked 3rd in the world (and #1 globally for politics & IR) (QS 2026)
✓ Join Oxford's DPIR — the world's #1-ranked department for politics & international relations (High Fliers 2026)
✓ Qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa
This MPhil gives you an advanced, research-led foundation in international relations — from IR theory and international security to global political economy and the recent history of world politics. You complete a supervised thesis on a specialised topic.
Graduates move into diplomacy, policy, international organisations, think tanks and doctoral research — and qualify for the UK's 2-year Graduate Route post-study work visa.
Compare options
Same field, different universities
See how this programme compares with computer science master’s at other universities we work with.
Your counsellor helps you compare and apply to multiple programmes simultaneously — at no cost.
Entry requirements
What you'll need
Academic
Bachelor's (first-class / strong 2:1) in a relevant social-science subject — politics, IR, history, economics, law (GPA 3.5+)
English
IELTS 7.5 (min 7.0 per component) or TOEFL 110
Documents
Transcripts, SOP, two references, passport
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Not sure you meet these? We offer foundation and pre-master's pathways — your counsellor will find the right route.
What you'll study
Core modules
01 International Relations Theory
02 International Security
03 Global Political Economy
04 Recent History of World Politics
05 Research Methods
06 MPhil Thesis
After you graduate
Career outcomes
Top 3
Oxford is #1 globally for Politics & International Studies
2-year visa
UK Graduate Route post-study work visa
95%
Employed or in further study within 6 months
Top employers
FCDO, United Nations, World Bank, think tanks, NGOs
How to apply
Application timeline
October – December 2025
Prepare your application
Gather transcripts, IELTS score, personal statement, and two references. Your counsellor reviews everything free of charge.
January – March 2026
Submit via Oxford portal
Apply through Oxford's Graduate Admissions portal by the January deadline (typically 9 January). Oxford IR has a single annual deadline and is extremely competitive, so prepare early.
March – May 2026
Receive your offer
Oxford typically responds within 8–10 weeks. Your counsellor follows up on your behalf and helps you accept your offer.
May – August 2026
Visa & accommodation
Pay your deposit, receive your CAS, apply for your Student Route visa, and arrange your college accommodation in Oxford.
September 2026
Welcome week & start
Arrive in Oxford for matriculation and begin your MPhil International Relations programme.
Fees & funding
Tuition fees & deposit
Tuition (international)
Per annum
£37,100
Financial guarantee
Proof of fees + living before CAS
Required
IHS (Immigration Health Surcharge)
Per year
£776
Scholarships
Funding you may be eligible for
Oxford and the UK government offer strong scholarship options for international students. Your counsellor matches you with every award you qualify for.
Oxford Graduate Scholarships
University of Oxford · Merit-based (1,100+ awards)
£5,000–£10,000
Coverage: Partial tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: International master's applicants with an outstanding academic record
Duration: Full programme length
Deadline: Varies — typically March for September entry
Source: ox.ac.uk fees & funding pages, 2026
Chevening Scholarship
UK Government · Fully funded
Full award
Coverage: Tuition + living allowance + flights + visa
Eligibility: 2+ years work experience, return to home country
Duration: 1-year master's programmes
Deadline: November (for September start next year)
Source: chevening.org, 2026
Great Scholarships
British Council · Country-specific
£10,000
Coverage: £10,000 tuition fee reduction
Eligibility: Citizens of 15 eligible countries incl. Egypt, Saudi Arabia
Duration: 1-year postgraduate programmes
Deadline: Varies by university — typically March–May
Source: study-uk.britishcouncil.org, 2026
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Not sure which scholarships you qualify for? Your counsellor reviews every option and handles the applications — at no cost.
Loans & financing
Alternative funding options
Prodigy Finance
International student loan · No collateral
Varies
Covers tuition and living expenses for postgraduate students at top-ranked universities. No cosigner required; rates based on future earning potential.
Part-time work
Earn while you study in Oxford
Up to 20 hrs/week
Student Route visa holders may work up to 20 hours per week during term and full-time during holidays. Note Oxford graduate terms are intensive; many students focus on research, internships at think tanks, and vacation placements.
Living costs
Monthly budget in Oxford
Oxford's official estimate for a single graduate student is £1,405–£2,105 per month. Accommodation is the largest cost; many students live in college or university housing.
Rent (college/student housing)£750–£1,150
Food & groceries£250–£350
Transport (bus/bike)£40–£70
Mobile & internet£20–£35
Books & supplies£20–£40
Personal & leisure£150–£300
Estimated total£1,405–£2,105/month
UKVI maintenance requirement: £1,023/month (outside London) for 9 months — Oxford's actual living costs are higher, so budget accordingly.
Student visa
Visa requirements for the UK
Visa type
Student Route visa (formerly Tier 4)
CAS required
Confirmation of Acceptance for Studies from Oxford
Financial proof
£1,023/month × 9 months = £9,207 (outside London)
Health surcharge (IHS)
£776/year — covers NHS access
Visa fee
£490 (standard processing)
Post-graduation
2-year Graduate Route visa — work in any role
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Your counsellor guides you through the full visa process — from CAS letter to biometrics appointment.
Student stories
Hear from our students
"Oxford's MPhil in IR was the most rigorous two years of my life — the tutorials, the thesis, the people. It set me up for a role at an international organisation. My counsellor guided the whole application and visa."
AH
Ahmed H.
MPhil International Relations, Oxford — Class of 2025 · 🇪🇬 Egypt
"The Oxford college system gave me a community from day one, and the DPIR network is extraordinary. It's competitive, but my counsellor made the application and visa completely stress-free."
SF
Sara F.
MPhil International Relations, Oxford — Class of 2026 · 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What background do I need for the Oxford MPhil in IR?
You need a first-class or strong upper-second undergraduate degree in a relevant social science — politics, IR, history, economics or law — plus a strong statement and academic writing sample. Oxford IR is extremely competitive.
Can I stay and work in the UK after graduating?
Yes. The 2-year Graduate Route visa lets you stay and work in any role — no job offer needed to apply. An Oxford IR degree opens doors in diplomacy, policy, international organisations and academia worldwide.
How much does it cost to live in Oxford as a student?
Oxford's official estimate is £1,405–£2,105/month for a single graduate student. Accommodation is the biggest cost. The UKVI visa maintenance requirement (outside London) is £1,023/month, but Oxford's real costs are higher, so budget accordingly.
Does the programme include a project or placement?
The MPhil culminates in a substantial supervised thesis, and strong performers can progress to the Oxford DPhil (PhD). Ask your counsellor how to position your research proposal and writing sample.
What is the IHS and do I have to pay it?
The Immigration Health Surcharge (IHS) is £776/year and gives you access to the NHS (UK's public healthcare). It's paid as part of your visa application — not optional for Student Route visa holders.
